``I'm sure you will go on to do great things,'' Cote told the graduates, clad in flowing black robes decorated with academic honor sashes and pins. ``But never forget the values you have learned at Xavier. They will never betray you.''

Xavier is a regional Catholic boys' school in Middletown that enrolls almost 850 college-bound teens from across Connecticut. It is a competitive school that attracts two applicants for every freshman spot.

Cote reminded the graduates of Pope Benedict's first official words after he was installed as the leader of the Roman Catholic Church. Instead of declaring a personal mission, he said he would listen to God's will for the church.

This is what all Christians, but especially those steeped in the traditions of Xavier High School, should aspire to, Cote said. Not for personal possessions, or even for professional accolades, although those will come, but for faith.

The 204 seniors in the Class of 2005 experienced a range of milestones as they journeyed through Xavier, including the Sept. 11 terrorist attacks, the 40th anniversary of Xavier and the appointment of a new pope.

But the student graduation speakers cited more personal events that tied them together, including the Falcons' basketball championship, seatbelt checks on the school minibus and faculty dinners to help prepare students for exams.

``It has been a very enjoyable, yet difficult four years,'' said Jeffrey Green.

Green, the Branford resident named class valedictorian, said he hoped his junior year at Xavier would be the toughest academic experience he'll ever have. The crowd chuckled when Green said he would attend Yale University in the fall.

Salutatorian Nicholas Grasso of East Haven, who earned the school's most prestigious award for loyalty and service, thanked the faculty for its guidance, all parents for their sacrifices and classmates for the camaraderie.

``Even though we failed and struggled at times, we had fun,'' Grasso said.

During the ceremony, Xavier honored 29 alumni who have sons among the Class of 2005. Fathers that graduated in the 1960s and '70s and their graduating sons were called to the stage in pairs to receive an engraved medal.

Mark Lefebvre, who graduated from Xavier in 1968, smiled broadly as son Michael, the second of three sons to attend his alma mater, stood beside him on the stage and posed for photographs as the crowd cheered.

``It makes you feel proud,'' Lefebvre said after the ceremony. ``When I went, it was just high school, the place where my parents sent me ... but as you age, it becomes obvious what it means, and I wanted that for my sons.''